AMADEUS
Cleveland Play House (Outcalt Theatre)
April 6-28, 2024
https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2023/amadeus or call 216-400-7000
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Sheri Gross
Imagine a jealousy that runs so deep that the war waged is not against the one that evokes that jealousy, but with God Himself. This is what Italian composer Antonio Salieri eats, sleeps, and breathes, as he walks through the world in the shadow of his friend and nemesis Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
If you are a stickler for truth in theater this may not be a work you wish to witness. It follows to the letter the same dramatic flaws, innuendos and misrepresentations of the original 1979 play and 1984 movie. Do, however, see it for the superb acting by all members of the cast. It is an intriguing “tale of madness, malice and music” that will leave you thoroughly entertained.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Chris Howey
This CPH production traces every step of that tormented man's journey with style and relish.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
Didn’t know classical music had a naughty side? Let Amadeus, the sizzling Mozart/Salieri fable now at the Cleveland Play House, change your mind. Director Laura Gordon and a fine cast bring Peter Shaffer’s entertaining riff about jealousy and European royal patronage to life in the Outcalt Theatre through April 28.
It’s true that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died tragically young and that his final commissioned work was a requiem for a secret patron. However, there’s little basis for the play’s supposition that Italian composer Salieri’s jealous efforts destroyed young Mozart. As far as history tells us, Salieri’s music was acclaimed and successful, and he had nothing to do with the poverty and illness that brought Mozart to an untimely end.
But never mind, Amadeus rivetingly illustrates envy’s corrosive powers.
To see a full review of this show, read here or see Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Kate Klotzbach
Did he do it? Did Italian composer Antonio Salieri murder musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? If intentions were enough to kill a person, then the easy answer is, “Yes.” Salieri never laid a hand on Mozart, but his vicious acts of professional sabotage certainly took a violent toll upon Mozart’s soul. Written by Peter Shaffer, this fictional account of Mozart’s life is every bit as complex as his music is famous.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.
